Pat Sajak Sneakily Forced By Contestant To Talk About Retirement On-Air
While Pat Sajak has been hesitant to talk about his retirement during the recent shows, he had an unusual confrontation about it this week. During the October 26 episode of Wheel of Fortune, a contestant creatively addresses the matter.
Pat Makes It Public
In June, Pat Sajak announced on X, that the current season, Season 41, would be his last. He says, “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.” But since then, he hasn’t spoken about his retirement on Wheel of Fortune. However, after his tweet, Sony Pictures Television publicized that Ryan Seacrest would take the reigns. Currently, the transition is predicted to begin in September 2024.
Ryan Seacrest Graciously Accepts His Upcoming Role
Excitedly and with honor, Ryan Seacrest says, “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
Happy birthday @patsajak! Thanks for leading me through life🥹🤍 pic.twitter.com/3O1uJjCGVW
— Maggie Sajak (@MaggieSajak) October 26, 2023
Giving tribute, Ryan says, “Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition. Many people probably don’t know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called Click for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I’m grateful to Sony for the opportunity. I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Pat Sajak Hesitates To Discuss Retirement
But while Pat Sajak has been hesitant to discuss it on-air, that changes during Halloween week on Wheel of Fortune. It so happens that it broadcasts on Sajak’s birthday October 26. During the show, contestant Rhachel Royal of Durham, N.C., surprises Pat by reciting a personal poem she has written.
“Now a lot of people, especially young people, are kind of afraid of poetry,” Pat says. Continuing to get to know her, “It’s a little daunting. But you do spoken word stuff?” Rhachel excitedly says, “Yes, Pat. I’ve been writing and performing spoken word poetry since I was 14 years old and I wrote something for you if I could share it with you.” Nervously, he says, “Ooh, well, I’m taking a chance. But go ahead.”
Rhachel Royal Honors Pat Sajak
“Ever since I was a child, this has been my wish. Spinning the wheel is No. 1 on my bucket list. To meet the amazing Pat Sajak, and the beautiful Vanna White, and to represent my family under these bright studio lights.” She continues, “Thank you, Pat, for all you’ve done over these last 41 years. The smiles, the jokes, the laughs, the cheers. Congrats on your retirement. We’ll miss you when you’re gone. Just do me one favor before you go and help me bring this money home.”
Pat Sajak responds, “Very nice.” However, he looks at the camera and holds up a finger. Confusingly, he says, “I’m leaving?” as if it is news to him. Rhachel replies, “Oh no.” She shakes her head and plays along. He says, “Oh, okay,” smiling. Then adds jokingly, “The things you learn.”
Did you like the sneaky way that Rhachel Royal pulls out the topic of Pat Sajak’s retirement? Are you ready to see Ryan Seacrest in the role of host for Wheel of Fortune? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
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